Carey Perkins secured a $25,000 grant for her business in January 2025 to support studio space, insurance, and other expenses. However, more than a year later, she has yet to receive the funds. Perkins, a Kanienʼkehá:ka from Akwesasne, owns Niio Perkins Designs, known for its raised beadwork jewelry. She is one of many small business owners awaiting funding from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).
Perkins expressed her frustration, stating that the delay has caused her significant financial strain, leading to difficulties in maintaining her studio space. Despite the promises made, the funds never materialized, forcing her to leave her studio in August 2025.
ITAC, as outlined in its 2023-24 annual report, focuses on enhancing authentic Indigenous tourism in Canada through various initiatives. In early 2025, ITAC administered approximately $3.3 million in federal funding through the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS), benefiting 136 Indigenous tourism businesses.
Following concerns raised by affected individuals, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada stated their commitment to resolving the issue promptly. ITAC President and CEO Keith Henry acknowledged the outstanding payments from the MSBS program and assured that efforts were underway to settle all dues as revenues allow.
Perkins shared her disappointment with the ITAC process, highlighting the challenges she faced in meeting the expenditure requirements before receiving the grant. She expressed the need to transition her business focus due to the financial setbacks.
Similarly, Aïcha Smith-Belghaba, another grant recipient, highlighted the adverse impact of the delayed funding on her business, leading to financial strain and a significant scale-back of operations. The grant was intended to support Indigenous businesses like hers but ended up creating additional barriers to success.
Furthermore, delays in payments were reported by several Indigenous-owned businesses following an ITAC-hosted tourism conference in Edmonton, causing financial difficulties for service providers like Nathan Rainy Chief, who had to advocate for payment through social media.
Despite the challenges, ITAC remains optimistic about future funding prospects, anticipating substantial support from the Passion Project Foundation in the UK. However, until the expected funding materializes, ITAC has implemented cost-cutting measures to navigate the current financial constraints.